15-Apr-2026
Author: Om Educare
For thousands of students in India, the dream of wearing a white coat begins right after Class 12. Whether it’s becoming a doctor or a dentist, the journey starts with choosing the right Undergraduate (UG) medical course - either MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) or BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery).
If you’re a medical aspirant wondering where to begin, this guide will help you understand what MBBS and BDS courses are, the eligibility, entrance exams, top colleges, fees, and a step-by-step admission process to get there.
Understanding MBBS and BDS
The MBBS is India’s most sought-after medical degree. It trains students in human anatomy, physiology, pathology, surgery, and medicine, preparing them to become general physicians or surgeons.
The BDS program focuses on oral health and dental sciences, preparing students to diagnose and treat dental issues. Graduates become dentists, orthodontists, or oral surgeons.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for MBBS or BDS, students must meet the following requirements:
|
Criteria |
Requirement |
|
Educational Qualification |
10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English |
|
Minimum Marks |
50% (General category) / 40% (SC/ST/OBC) |
|
Age Limit |
Minimum 17 years (as of 31st December of the admission year) |
|
Entrance Exam |
NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) |
|
College Name |
Location |
Approx. Annual Fees |
|
AIIMS |
New Delhi |
₹1,500 |
|
Christian Medical College (CMC) |
Vellore |
₹48,000 |
|
Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) |
Delhi |
₹15,000 |
|
JIPMER |
Puducherry |
₹12,000 |
|
Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) |
Pune |
₹31,000 |
|
Kasturba Medical College (KMC) |
Manipal |
₹14 - 17 lakh |
|
College Name |
Location |
Approx. Annual Fees |
|
Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS) |
Delhi |
₹10,000 |
|
Nair Hospital Dental College |
Mumbai |
₹60,000 |
|
Manipal College of Dental Sciences |
Manipal |
₹4 - 5 lakh |
|
Saveetha Dental College |
Chennai |
₹5 lakh |
|
Government Dental College |
Bangalore |
₹40,000 |
|
Type of College |
MBBS Total Fees |
BDS Total Fees |
|
Government College |
₹50,000 – ₹3 lakh |
₹30,000 - ₹2 lakh |
|
Private College |
₹50 lakh – ₹1 crore |
₹8 lakh - ₹25 lakh |
|
Deemed University |
₹30 lakh – ₹90 lakh |
₹10 lakh - ₹25 lakh |
To enter an MBBS or BDS program in India, students must go through a national-level admission process based on NEET-UG.
Here’s how the journey unfolds:
MBBS vs. BDS: Which One Should You Choose?
|
Aspect |
MBBS |
BDS |
|
Career Goal |
Doctor / Surgeon |
Dentist / Oral Specialist |
|
Duration |
5.5 years |
5 years |
|
Governing Body |
NMC |
DCI |
|
Entrance Exam |
NEET-UG |
NEET-UG |
|
Future Scope |
MD/MS, Medical Practice, Research |
MDS, Private Practice, Dental Faculty |
Both MBBS and BDS are prestigious medical degrees that open doors to lifelong careers in healthcare. While MBBS shapes you into a doctor, BDS makes you an expert in dental and oral sciences.
The journey is challenging but incredibly rewarding - with NEET-UG as your first milestone. With dedication, preparation, and the right guidance, you can secure admission to India’s top medical or dental colleges and begin your dream journey toward healing and service.
